Traditional compressors, also known as fixed-speed compressors, operate at a fixed speed and are either on or off. They turn on and off based on the thermostat setting and the temperature of the room. When the thermostat calls for cooling, the compressor turns on and circulates refrigerant through the system to lower the temperature. When the desired temperature is reached, the compressor turns off. This cycling of the compressor can cause temperature fluctuations and can be less energy efficient because the compressor is either fully on or fully off, rather than adjusting its output to match the cooling demand.
Inverter compressors, on the other hand, use an inverter to control the speed of the compressor. This allows the inverter compressor to adjust its output to match the cooling demand of the space, rather than turning on and off. As a result, inverter compressors are more energy efficient because they use less energy to maintain a consistent temperature. They also have a longer lifespan because they do not turn on and off as frequently as traditional compressors.
Inverter compressors work by using a variable frequency drive (VFD) to control the speed of the compressor motor. The VFD adjusts the voltage and frequency of the power supplied to the motor, which in turn adjusts the speed of the motor. This allows the inverter compressor to run at a range of speeds, rather than just on or off.
In addition to being more energy efficient, inverter compressors can also provide better indoor comfort because they can maintain a more consistent temperature without the fluctuations that can occur with traditional compressors. They also tend to be quieter because they operate at a lower speed most of the time.
Overall, inverter compressors are a more energy efficient and effective option for air conditioning systems compared to traditional compressors. They can provide better indoor comfort, lower energy costs, and a longer lifespan for the system.